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Minnesota Valley Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship
A liberal religious congregation in the Minneapolis area If the Menu on the Left Hasn't Appeared |
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| MEETINGS, CLASSES,
and EVENTS Home | Calendar Updated July 29 2010 |
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Adult
Education
Classes/Workshops/Discussions
Congregation-Wide Meetings/Events |
Regular Schedule During the Year |
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(Regularly meets first Saturday of the month Women's Group resumes in October. Top of Page To Calendar |
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(Regularly meets second Thursday of the month) We will discuss People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Ms. Brooks is a Pulitzer Prize winner and an author we have enjoyed in the past. This story is told in two strands. The first strand follows Hanna Heath, an Australian rare book expert, as she works with a famed Sarajevo Haggadah rescued from the Serbs shelling during the Bosnian war. The second strand goes back as far as 1480 to events in the history of the book itself. Both emotional and historical, it should provide an interesting discussion. All are welcome even if you have never been there before. Book List for 2010-2011 July 8 - Homer and Langley by E. L. Doctorow August 12 – The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks September 9 – Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell October 14 – Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese November 11 – Haunted Ground by Erin December 9 – Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein January 13 – Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay February 10 – The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo by Steig Larson March 10 – Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz April 14 – Olive Ketteridge by Elia Strout May 12 – The Help by Kathryn Stockett Top of Page To Calendar |
Past Reading Lists: 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 |
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(Dates and times vary each month. See the schedule (pdf) at the right.) Ladies Fun Night for May has been canceled because of date conflicts. Top of Page To Calendar |
LFN 2010 Sch edule (pdf) |
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(Regularly meets the second Thursday of the month) The Men's Group will resume in October 2010. Top of Page To Calendar |
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(Regularly meets third Saturday of the month) The Bridge Group meets the third Saturday afternoon of each month for a few hours of bridge. We would welcome new players, beginners to expert! If you are interested, please contact Barbara Hanson Top of Page To Calendar |
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(Regularly meets on the third Tuesday of the month) The Evening Book Group continues to meet throughout the summer. Take a book to the lake with you and drop in on one of our discussions. Our next few selections are: On August 17th, Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis On September 21st, The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution and the Birth of America by Steven Johnson The Group meets the third Tuesday of every month in the Fireside Room at 7 PM. The only requirement to join is that you have read, or attempted to read, the monthly selection. Feel free to join us for any or all months. We welcome newcomers! Questions? Call Joyce McMartin at 952-942-7143 or email at joyce.mcmartin@earthlink.net. Current and Future Selections:
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Selections We've Read in the Past |
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(Meets monthly on the third Saturday of the month.) Movie Night will resume in September. Top of Page To Calendar |
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(Regularly meets 2nd Friday of the month) The Men's Poker Group is a low-stakes poker group that is currently welcoming men who would like to be called to substitute or who have a large enough group (5) to form a second table. Top of Page To Calendar |
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No meeting in July or August. (Regularly meets 4th Saturday of the month) Sewers, knitters, crafters, bring your projects and yourselves. We are a "loose knit" group of UUs who love to sew and knit, No agenda, just fun.. We all work on our individual projects and help each other. With a few hundred years of combined experience, we get all the stitching problems figured out. Come to learn: yes, we can teach you how to sew and
knit.
Come
to be inspired: and finish any projects you have lying about.
Come
to chat: the conversations are sparkling. Top of Page To Calendar |
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The Annual Meeting is held each May. The purpose of the Meeting is to
The 2008 meeting minutes were not approved last year, so this year we will ask you to look over two years of minutes and notify our Board Secretary, David Olson, with any corrections as soon as possible so that we may have corrected minutes for a quick vote that day. In order to be “green” we will be projecting the agenda and items up for a vote on a screen at the meeting. No paper copies will be available. Please review your electronic copies ahead of time. Paper copies will be provided by the Office for those without email. If you have any questions please see any Board member for clarification. If you have trouble opening any documents, please contact Kathy Park at knpark@comcast.net for help. Top of Page To Calendar |
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(Usually meets on the third Sunday of the month.) Religion and Ethics will resume in September. Top of Page To Calendar |
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In Members' Homes Have you tried our Circle Suppers? If you are new to the Fellowship – or feel a bit out of touch – or would just like to be in the company of fellow UUs, give it a try. Where else can you enjoy a five course meal by contributing just one item?? Sign up sheet for the events are in the lower foyer. Try it, you'll like it! Top of Page To Calendar |
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February 28, 2010 Let’s get to know each other. How and why did you / we come to UU? March 28, 2010 What do you want to know about UU? Plus learn about MVUUF and its history. April 25. 2010 Nuts and bolts of membership at MVUUF. Advantages and responsibilities of membership. Join us if you are interested in membership or you are already a member and are interested in the topic. Signup sheets for this series will be in the downstairs corridor. Child care will be available if requested at the time you sign up. Contact Nancy Buckman, Membership Chair, nancybafs@yahoo.com, 952-736-9586 if you have questions. Top of Page To Calendar |
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New members are welcomed to the Fellowship during Ingatherings. This ceremony gives the members of the Fellowship the opportunity to acknowledge publicly and welcome new members. Top of Page To Calendar |
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MVUUF children and youth from first to twelfth grade work together to raise money for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) with this luncheon. Cost is $6 a person or $15 for a family. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Secret Friends is an annual event where adults and children get to know one another. All adults and children (age 5 and older) in the Fellowship are encouraged to sign up. Adults will be given a “secret name” to use and will be provided with the name and address of a child who has also signed up. During January, adults write letters to the children, asking the children to describe themselves. Adults write and sign their letters with their secret names. Correspondence may be sent by mail or by using the Secret Friends box at the Fellowship. Both adults and children attend the Secret Friends Breakfast the adult and the secret friend will meet for the first time. Secret Friends signups are downstairs on the wall above the Religious Education section of the counter. More information about the program is available by the signup sheets. Correspondence begins in early January. Children need parent’s permission before signing up. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 9 AM to NOON. We need parents to help with pricing and organizing the children's toys, games, etc. You will also share some of your time doing child care. There is a sign-up sheet downstairs. Questions? See Leslie Swenson, Sale Volunteer Coordinator All You Need to Know About the 2010 MVUUF Rummage Sale When: Thursday, August 5, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday, August 6, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday, August 7, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Set Up: July 26 - August 4 Clean Up: Saturday, August 7, 11:00 AM Donating: Donating: Items can be dropped off during set up July 26 - 30 and on Tuesday, June 8 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Thursday, June 10 from 10:00 - 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday, July 7 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday, July 20 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Items of greatest need: Your salable stuff and your TIME! Leslie Swenson will be organizing volunteers for this sale. In addition to setting up, working the sale and cleaning up, you can also volunteer to feed the workers. Think you item is valuable? Let us know! We often list more valuable items on ebay to get top dollar! Please help us by washing, dusting or cleaning your donations. Large items are welcome, but please be willing to pick them up if they don’t sell. * Please donate CLEAN, working items. Furniture and exercise equipment often sells well, but because it’s so costly to dispose of, unsold, large items will have to go back to the original owner to save MVUUF from disposal costs. You are welcome to make a poster with photos of large items that you’d like to sell. Need ideas? Here are some items that sell well:
We can NOT accept the following items:
Karen Olson, 952-888-6527, luvzcatz@comcast.net or Janet Stevens, 952-888-6577, jastevens1@comcast.net Top of Page To Calendar |
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Birnamwood Golf Course. 12424 Parkwood Drive in Burnsville Summer golf is not just for our founding members. Anyone who has driven by a course and heard a whisper of “UU, UU, Ui.” Is destined to join the MVUUF golfers at Birmanwood golf course in Burnsville summer Sunday’s at 8:00 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your spouse, or your child, not to mention connecting with your inner par. All members, families, or friends and skill levels are welcome. The award winning Birnamwood golf course s located at . Cost is $13.25 a round, $107 for a 10 round pass, and $204 for a 20 round pass. Riding cart is $10.50. Chat with one of our golf ambassadors, designated by the golf token on their nametag, to find out more of this summer activity and then sign up. Contact Darrell or Kathy Eager with any questions. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Moir Park, 10320 Morgan Ave. South in Bloomington - MAP Join your fellow MVUUF members, families and friends for a fun day at Moir Park. Why: To celebrate our year, enjoy friends, make new ones Food: Pot Luck – Label special diet items for separate table Special Events: Bocce Ball, Kids Letterbox Tour, Badminton and Softball. Please sign up downstairs for the Pot Luck and so we can estimate how many are coming. See you there!! Top of Page To Calendar |
Directions to Moir Park |
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(Regularly meets second Saturday of the month) We will not be playing Scrabble in June, July aand August. We will resume playing Scrabble on September 11 and would love to have you come. We have two Scrabble games (which were donated by Phyllis Fairman and Jane Sterhn) and one of our best players, Karen Wolf, usually brings her game, so we could accommodate 12 players comfortably. Usually we have about half that number, or less. So please come and try us out. Some of us are relaxed players and some are more serious aboiut it. You could choose your own niche. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Specific speakers and presentations will be listed here soon. Great Decisions is a program sponsored nationally by the Foreign Policy Association and coordinated in this state by the Minnesota International Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. This is the second year that the program has been offered at MVUUF. The program will be offered free to everyone and the public will be invited. We are hoping to defray costs by donations at the lectures. Top of Page To Calendar |
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It’s been five years since MVUUF installed its peace pole and pledged itself as a peace site. In recognition of International Day of Peace and in celebration with our new settled minister, we will re-dedicate ourselves to helping to grow peace in ourselves, our congregation, our communities, and in the larger world. Join us for a short, intergenerational ceremony that will include the introduction of the children’s new Pennies for Peace Program. Pennies for Peace is a program of Central Asia Institute founded by Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea. Our children’s pennies will help to build and supply community-based schools in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our ceremony will also include a congregational peace pledge and music. Top of Page To Calendar |
Pennies for Peace Jug  |
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This s a chance to get acquainted, make homemade pizzas and play some games. Come and give a warm welcome to our new youth coordinator! Top of Page To Calendar |
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Come to help welcome our new minister, David Breeden…with food, of course! We’ll be having a potluck lunch after the service on Sunday, September 20. In order to make it a little easier on everyone, it is suggested that you bring salads, desserts and fixings for sandwiches (bread, meat, cheese, ??). There will be other opportunities to get to know David in a smaller setting later this fall, too. The Committee on Ministry will let you know the a as soon as these events are organized. Top of Page To Calendar |
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All are welcome, whether you came last month or not, whether you are new to UU or want a refresher. There is a signup sheet in the downstairs corridor. Please indicate if you need childcare, so that we will have it available Top of Page To Calendar |
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(Meets every other Thursday through April 1 ) Book discussion continues with Doubt: A History by Jennifer Michael Hecht.. If you can’t make it to these Thursday discussions with David , you can still participate. Go to David's MVUUF blog where he will post the subject for each session ahead of time, and you can comment. Click on the Adult Education tab. If you have trouble finding the blog, get help from Web Coordinator Does one of your resolutions involve deepening your spiritual life? If so, you’re in luck: our next adult religous education class considers the marvelous book called Doubt. Contrary to what the title may indicate, the book is NOT a manual for becoming a fiery skeptic. Instead, Jennifer Michael Hecht argues that religious thinking has been deepened through time by doubters. On that list she includes the Buddha, heretic in the Hindu tradition, and Jesus, a Jewish thinker intent upon softening the image of YAHWEH. Hecht says, Faced with two contradictory truths—that of the human world and that of the universe—religious virtuosos have all suggested some kind of reconciliation. They all say the schism is illusory, either because the universe is really possessed of human attributes and only looks chaotic, uncaring, and without direction, or because our sense of meaning is ridiculous, and we ought to train ourselves away from our willfulness and our struggle to invent, succeed, and sustain. Most prophets, preachers, and seers have made use of both these ideas.For those who can’t make it to our evening discussions, we will be setting up a blog for discussion of the book. Stay tuned. And, go here if you would like to take the “Scale of Doubt Quiz . It’s fun and thought-provoking. This site also includes the “Speaking of Faith” interview with the author of Doubt. Sign up downstairs. Doubt, is now on sale at the book cart. See Nancy Buckman if you are interested in a copy. Top of Page To Calendar |
MVUUF Book Discussion Blog |
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All adults invited, no special skills needed, just a relaxing good time! Extra drums available if you don’t have one. Call or email Cathleen Gempeler with questions. Top of Page To Calendar |
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The survey also indicated that a shorter version of the Women’s Retreat might be a good substitute for this year. SO..... what shall we do instead to feed our souls, to connect with what gives us meaning and helps us come alive, to have fun and enjoy the company of other women? Watch your email over the coming weeks (paper copies will also be available) for a short survey about possible women’s gatherings this year. Please take a moment to complete and return, even if all you do is check the box that says “not interested.” We would greatly appreciate your input to help us offer what you most crave, in a way that is easiest for you to participate. Thank you in advance for your thoughts. Please take a moment to complete and return, even if all you do is check the box that says “not interested.” We would greatly appreciate your input to help us offer what you most crave, in a way that is easiest for you to participate. Thank you for your thoughts. Top of Page To Calendar |
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These are the final guided meditation sessions for this church year Sessions will resume in September. No experience is needed and everyone is welcome. Top of Page To Calendar |
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There will be pumpkin carving, costumes, fun and games. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Four of our families will tell their stories of " Coming Out". Coming Out as a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person is often filled with unknowns. It can be stressful, emotional and difficult. Sometimes it is joyous and affirming. Come and learn how we all, gay and straight, can support and understand our family and friends in their quest for revealing who they are. Questions and discussion will follow the stories. This event is open to the public. Please feel free to invite your family and friends and come support our own fellowship families. Brochures are on the information counter and table in the social hall. Questions? Nan Corliss 952-835-6832. Top of Page To Calendar |
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This will be our first Sunday afternoon concert of the 2009-2010 fellowship year. Iit will be a family friendly concert with a variety of songs about critters, i.e., flies, fleas, swans, bees, etc. We will also be visited by a juggler. AND, a highlight will be the 2nd time an Orff instrument specialist, Jody Petter, will work with our children and present one or two pieces at concert. Children in grades 3 – 6 are encouraged to sign up and arrive at the fellowship at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8th, for one hour long instruction and then these children will perform at the concert. Those of you who were present when Jody was here for a Music Sunday performance will remember her enthusiasm and love of music and children; it was a most exciting experience for the kids (and all of us). Top of Page To Calendar |
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Will resume in September. First Sundays: Caffeine and Theology With the Minister. Discussions of Unitarian Universalist questions and ideas. Second Sundays: Wisdom from World Religions. Looking into scripture from a variety of faith traditions with David. Third Sundays: Religion, Ethics, and Ideas Fourth Sundays: A variety of topics and activities. Top of Page To Calendar |
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By now you may have heard that our Service Auction netted over $8300! It was due to an impressive combination – we had a great committee, wonderful food, beautiful/fun music, and your participation to make an extra-successful event. Special thanks to auction committee members Karen Olson, Karen Schaub, Don Park, Walt and Jane Stull and Bobbie Gish for many hours of planning and execution. Also big thanks to David McGovern and chief helper Lori Lundborg for the delicious food and Sonja Johnston and the music committee for entertainment. Nancy Buckman and Beth Smith helped in the kitchen along with Ginny Christenson, Mark Proctor and Lynn McPherson. Judith Anderson and Dave Rosewall made great auctioneers and many others helped with set-up, clean-up and final accounting. Plans are in the works for next year’s auction and we’d love to have your ideas and help. Please consider joining us. Top of Page To Calendar |
More Details of the Auction Schedule FINAL Auction Booklet (revised 2/1/2010) Absentee Bidding By Email By Paper |
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 MVUUF will formally install David Breeden as our new
settled minister, and the first full-time minister to serve the
Fellowship. An installation is a formal ceremony designed
to recognize that a minister is settled, and announce and celebrate
that fact among ourselves and with the larger community. The Unitarian
Universalist
Association
of
Congregations reminds us that
installation “highlights and reaffirms the bond between a minister and
a society.”It will be a full day of celebration. After the morning service, we will have a potluck soup and bread luncheon and a cake. Then, at 2:00 will be the Installation ceremony itself. There will be guests and visitors from throughout the Prairie Star District and Twin Cities churches in attendance and participating in the ceremony. After the Installation, there will be desserts and coffee. The installation will be a formal affair. We are asking that you RSVP to the office as soon as possible so that we know how many people will be coming. You will find an invitation in your mailbox at the Fellowship. One of David’s favorite poems is Emily Dickinson’s I Dwell in Possibility – please come help us rejoice in the possibilities as we celebrate our new settled minister. Top of Page To Calendar |
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April 3 - May 29, 2010, 10:00 AM at the Fellowship. NOTE new time beginning April 3. Tai Chi is up and running, but welcomes new participants. Feel free to come with comfortable clothes and join in the fun even if it’s your first time. It is $5 a session Top of Page To Calendar |
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Reduce your auto insurance cost. Be a better driver. The safest rule$14 (but $2 discount for AARP members who have their #). Questions: Calll George Fairman 952/830-9794. Sign up downstairs. Top of Page To Calendar |
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The Writing Group will be meeting during the summer. Are you a writer? Would you like to share your writing? If you answered “yes” you might enjoy coming to an informal writing group.. All are welcome. No sign-up needed. Top of Page To Calendar |
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MVUUF is joining other area churches in providing meals for hungry people in Haiti and other places around the world. Meals will be packed at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Drive in Burnsville. A signup sheet is downstairs labeled Feed My Starving Children. Top of Page To Calendar |
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7717 Nicollet Ave., Richfield Come join your fellow MVUUFers in celebrating the Year of the Tiger!! We have several large tables reserved for this annual celebration. This is a great chance to get to know fellow church members and to enjoy some great Chinese food. Order from the menu or take a chance on one of the many Dim Sum cart selections. Sign up downstairs at the fellowship so we can estimate how many folks might join us. Any questions? Ask Bill Lochen at church or call 612-866-3407. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Join us to celebrate Black History Month.. Tom Jackson will present the audio/visual presentation of photos and original recorded music of the early black musicians who created jazz starting in 1900. The program will take place in the Social Hall.. Please sign up if you are planning to attend. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Buy! Buy! Buy! Shop! Shop! Shop!But then what to do with all the “stuff” that has accumulated? And how does one cease and desist with all this buying? Join us in the Voluntary Simplicity class led by Dale Lewellyn. We will attempt to provide ideas for and methods with which to simplify our lives and stop participating in the consumerism mantra aimed at all of us. Participants in this discussion course will:
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SOUP BREAD SOUP BREAD SOUP BREAD SOUP
BREAD SOUP BREAD SOUP BREAD
Join us the day of Rev. David Breenen’s installation, for a wonderful luncheon of hearty HOMEMADE SOUP and tasty HOMEMADE BREAD. HERE IS HOW IT HAPPENS : You cook up your favorite soup or bread (or store bought gourmet soup or gourmet bread) to share with us all. Yummy!! WHY YOU MIGHT ASK? Because David Breeden is being installed and we love to eat before any big celebration! Look for the signup sheet in the downstairs hallway. Don’t forget, we need volunteers to setup and cleanup too. !! Join in and cook up a Springtime Delight !! Top of Page To Calendar |
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Sunday, April 18, 2010, 7:30 AM
Join our MVUUF “Minnesota Valley Steppers” team and Cornerstone for Walk a
Mile in Her Shoes event at the Mall of America . This event will
support Cornerstone’s work with families and individuals affected by
domestic violence and also raise awareness of the critical role men
play in ending this cycle of violence. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes asked men and women to walk in women’s high heeled shoes, (provided by Cornerstone). It isn’t easy to walk in these shoes, but makes a statement that men play a strong role in ending violence against women. Walking in high heels is not a requirement. They can be carried. The walk is less then half a mile. All family members can walk. This ties in with our peace making focus. Children under 12 are free. Rev. Dr. David Breeden will be our team leader. Registration is $25, either self-paid or raised in pledges. Register to walk or sponsor our team online at Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.. You can also participate as a volunteer by contacting Kathy Eager. Top of Page To Calendar |
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June 3 Krista Tippet interview with physicist Freeman Dyson, in Einstein’s God: Conversations about Science and the Human Spirit. The readings will be available downstairs by the Adult Religious Education section a week or more in advance. Each discussion stands alone so pick up a reading and come if you can. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Our Creativity Series continues with visual arts - a photography workshop. There is no charge for the workshop, but please sign up downstairs and write down any questions you would like answered so Darrell can address them. We will plan to get together one more time to share our photos. Top of Page To Calendar |
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This is an intergenerational gathering to celebrate everyone’s birthday. We will have 12 tables set up with 12 home-made cakes, one for each month of the year. All with a birthday in that month will sit together for fun and conversation. Plan to stay after the service on May 2nd for cake and an opportunity to talk with new people of all ages. Top of Page To Calendar |
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Oak Grove Presbyterian Church at 2200 W. Old Shakopee Road This program is designed to bring Christians (and UUs) and Muslims together for dialogue and a fun time. For more information and to RSVP contact Gail Anderson at the Minnesota Council of Churches, gail.anderson@mnchurches.org, or 612-230-3210. (Stay tuned—on July 17th in Moir Park, Taking Heart will sponsor a cricket event. Don’t know how to play? Here’s your chance to learn.) Top of Page To Calendar |
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Get ready folks for the popular Dads do Breakfast!! . This year it’s “Crepes to You and You and You”. Wonder what that’s about? Top of Page To Calendar |
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1209 Hillside Lane in Burnsville (Regularly meets second Saturday of the month) All members and friends of MVUUF between the ages of 21-40 are welcome to participate in our monthly social events. We will gather at the home of Jill Carlson and Kevin Dahlberg for a bonfire and grill out. Bring a dish or dessert to share- meat/veggie burger, buns, condiments and drinks will be provided. The event will take place rain or shine. If there is bad weather we will order pizzas. Please talk to Jill for more information or to RSVP at 952-892-0683 or jcarlson27@gmail.com. Top of Page To Calendar |
